Where to find live music in Edinburgh
Edinburgh live music venues
Our guests often ask us where are the best places in Edinburgh to find live music. So, we’ve put together this guide to help you out. You’ll find live music all over the city, from buskers on the street to huge concerts at the castle. For some of the bigger venues, you’ll need to book concert tickets in advance. But other live music bars and venues, you can walk into on any night of the week and discover something wonderful. Here are some of our favourite live music venues in Edinburgh, both large and small…
Edinburgh Castle
Every summer, Edinburgh Castle hosts a series of concerts on its esplanade. The castle has provided a stunning backdrop for huge stars, such as Tom Jones, Rod Stewart and Kylie Minogue. Check what’s on.
Princes Street Gardens
The Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens is a popular outdoor venue during the summer and currently hosts the Edinburgh Summer Sessions every August. See what’s coming up.
Edinburgh Playhouse
Just around the corner from us at Parliament House Hotel, Edinburgh Playhouse theatre has seen the likes of Elton John, The Proclaimers and Little Mix take to its stage. View upcoming shows.
Murrayfield Stadium
Murrayfield Stadium is the largest stadium in Scotland. With a capacity of over 67,000, it’s the venue of choice for many huge artists. In fact, Bruce Springsteen is playing there next year! Find out what’s on.
Usher Hall
The Usher Hall is a large concert hall, famous for its amazing acoustics. It offers a wide and varied programme of concerts, with everything from classical to rock. Check the programme.
Queen’s Hall
This independent, intimate, concert venue, housed in an old Georgian church building, presents artists and bands from classical, jazz, folk, rock and pop genres. View latest programme.
Royal Highland Centre
You can reach the Royal Highland Centre by bus from Princes Street. This venue, out towards the airport, hosts events and festivals in its showgrounds, including the upcoming Connect Festival. See what’s on.
O2 Academy
Located in Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange building in Chesser, the O2 Academy can be accessed by bus from the city centre. This events venue has a strong reputation for its live music offerings. View listings.
Summerhall
A historic university building, now used as a live music, concert and ceilidh venue. Offering a wide selection of music events throughout the year. Find out what’s coming up.
Stramash
Stramash is a large music and sports bar in the Old Town, which puts on live music every night of the week. Showcasing bands from across Scotland and beyond. Find out more.
Bannerman’s
Bannerman’s is a rock and whisky bar in Edinburgh’s Cowgate, renowned for its regular live music nights. Welcoming every music genre and style, from rising talent to big stars. See gig guide.
Whistle Binkies
Over 100 bands play at Whistle Binkies each month. This atmospheric bar, found in the vaults under South Bridge, has live music seven nights a week. Find out more.
Ghillie Dhu
Ghillie Dhu is a traditional Scottish bar at the west end of Princes Street. The magnificent a-listed building was once a grand church. Now hosting a programme of live music, DJ nights and ceilidhs. See what’s on.
Biddy Mulligans
This Irish bar in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket puts on live music seven nights a week. Including Biddy’s Sunday sessions, which last a full 12 hours from midday to midnight. Find out more.
So, as you can see, Edinburgh has a thriving live music scene. From the biggest stars to the best up-and-coming new talent, there’s plenty to keep you entertained here. And staying at Parliament House Hotel in the city centre, you’re within walking distance or a bus/taxi ride from all of these venues and more.
